Part 3/8:
This theory posits that a rational actor, by exhibiting irrational behavior, can manipulate the perceptions of their opponent into conceding. A historical example is President Nixon's foreign policy approach during the Vietnam War, where he aimed to project unpredictability to intimidate adversaries into compliance. Yet, despite the intriguing premise of the "madman theory," the actual benefits of this strategy are less clear-cut upon closer analysis.